Totem: A Novel

When Abraham Petrovich leaves his native Russia to join the 1741 Bering Expedition of Discovery to explore what is now Alaska, he can only think of finding his fortune in a strange new land.

That vision comes to an abrupt halt, however, when he and a shipmate are captured by Tlingit natives near present-day Sitka after a horrifying bear attack.

Abraham’s ability to adapt to an alien culture is tested, and with the help of the village chief and guidance from his wife, he fits into what he discovers is a complicated society.

The shaman wants to kill the whitefaces, but the chief wants to learn from the strangers. When the shaman conspires to get his way, Abraham and his surviving family flee Sitka fearing for their lives.

Finding refuge in Klawak, Abraham immerses himself in Tlingit life—not knowing that he’ll soon make an eerie discovery on a deserted beach that will solidify his place among the Tlingits.

Abraham continues his incredible journey, seeking whitefaces like himself, but he ultimately finds something much more valuable as he explores the land and meets new people in Totem.